Cedarwood Cowboy Read online

  “You sound so fatalistic.” Mick frowned. “You could do local stuff. What about updating your work on the internet?”

  “I guess there are ways to keep my music going.” He hadn’t considered using the internet or trying to play local clubs. “I could use some legal representation. After my manager dropped off my bag, he decided he wasn’t thrilled about my living situation. We argued and I fired him. I’m on my own because they didn’t think I would need them if I wasn’t going to work.”

  “If you scale back, you might not need a huge team, but I know nothing about the music business.” Mick smiled. “But I’d love to help.”

  He inched closer to Mick. A dusting of freckles spread across Mick’s nose and cheeks. Fine lines had been etched at the corners of his eyes. When he smiled, he warmed Evan to his core. Evan wanted to write music about Mick. He needed to be out and loved. “I’m glad you came over.”

  “Yeah?” Mick curled his fingers under Evan’s chin. “Because I’m a lawyer?”

  “Are you glad you’re here because I used to almost be famous?”

  “Touché.” Mick grinned.

  “I’m happy because you understand.” He leaned into Mick and kissed him. The sweetness, tenderness and first blush of passion washed over him. He loved the feel of Mick’s mouth under his. “Because we’re in this together.” He pushed the kiss deeper, nudging Mick to open for him. He slid his hand over Mick’s thigh. He wanted to unwrap him. To learn everything. He tugged Mick onto his lap and kissed him. Each connection sent shivers down his veins and made his synapses misfire. He wrapped his arms around Mick, loving the feel of Mick’s body next to his. The scruff on Mick’s cheeks abraded his mouth. He sucked on Mick’s tongue and ground against the bulge in Mick’s trousers.

  Mick broke the kiss and panted. “Damn.”

  “Damn, indeed.” He patted Mick’s ass. “I want you in my bed.” He hadn’t been this bold in so long, but he saw no other logical step. He wanted Mick. Why not take him?

  “I want to be there.” Mick nipped at Evan’s mouth. “Show me the way.” He stood, then offered his hands. “Please?”

  Although part of him wanted to rush, Evan forced himself to stay under control. Why go fast when he could enjoy this moment? He held Mick’s hand and led him up to the second floor to the guest room.

  Mick pushed Evan against the wall in the bedroom, catching him between his body and the plaster. He mashed his mouth down on Evan’s, sucking on Evan’s tongue.

  Evan bit back a moan. It’d been so long since he’d been with someone. He slid his hands along Mick’s sides, then yanked his shirt free from Mick’s trousers. Power and desire flowed through his veins. He whimpered into Mick’s mouth as he trailed his fingertips over Mick’s ribs.

  A moan rumbled in Mick’s throat as he ground against Evan. He rubbed the bulge in his trousers against the matching one in Evan’s jeans. He continued to kiss Evan, scattering Evan’s thoughts.

  Evan brushed his nose along Mick’s cheek as he made his way to Mick’s earlobe. “Need you,” he whispered. He moved Mick’s shirt up and out of the way, baring Mick’s chest. “I want to see you.”

  Mick backed up long enough to remove his shirt, then flexed. The muscles of his abs tightened and his nipples beaded. “Like what you see?”

  “I do.” Evan licked his lips. He trailed his gaze over Mick’s upper body. Heat thrummed through him. Mick was everything he wanted physically from a man—little hair, muscled, polished and sexy.

  Mick grasped Evan’s hands and dragged him to the bed. He climbed on top of Evan as he tumbled to the mattress. A wicked gleam shone in his eye.

  Evan rolled them over until he pinned Mick beneath him. “Let me explore.” He touched Mick all over, learning the curves and dips of his body. He kissed Mick’s throat, loving the sound of his moans and the feel of Mick’s pulse against his lips. He panted between kisses. Pleasure filled his mind. He could be himself with Mick. No hiding or lying. He relaxed. Time to enjoy himself.

  Evan sat back on his heels and whipped his shirt over his head. His cock throbbed and his balls tingled. Damn, he couldn’t think straight. The intensity of his need for Mick increased. He ground on Mick. The freedom of the act, plus the tenderness in Mick’s eyes, spurred him on.

  Mick laced his fingers with Evan’s and tugged him down. Skin on skin, sweat slickened their joining. He breathed Mick in. The man smelled so good, like sin and the woods. He tasted even better. He rubbed his nipples against Mick’s and electricity shot through him. Mick raked his nails down Evan’s chest.

  “Fuck me,” Mick murmured. “I need you.”

  “Soon.” He left Mick long enough to ditch his jeans and boxer shorts, then grabbed a rubber and the bottle of lube. He tossed the condom and bottle onto the bed. When Mick grinned, Evan trailed his fingers up Mick’s legs to the apex of his thighs. He tugged Mick’s zipper down.

  “Naughty.” Mick hooked his fingers in his waistband and shoved, aiding Evan. Within seconds, Evan had Mick’s pants and underwear gone.

  Evan crawled onto the bed and stretched out next to Mick. Being this free, this forward, pleased him. He needed Mick. His skin tingled and his synapses misfired. He slid his hands everywhere on Mick’s body. Damn, he should’ve done this years ago—been with Mick and been stronger back when they were in school. He would’ve been himself and happier. He propped himself up on his elbow and leaned down, kissing Mick.

  Mick stroked both cocks in his hand, dick on dick.

  “Fuck,” Evan said between kisses. The heat, hardness and perfection of Mick’s cock sliding along his own shattered his thoughts. His balls tingled again. He massaged Mick’s chest as he learned his lover.

  “Yes.” Mick bucked against Evan. “Please?”

  “Needy.” Evan broke free long enough to drench his fingers in lube. He massaged his slick digits between the globes of Mick’s ass. He caressed the tight pucker of Mick’s hole.

  Mick ground into him. “Love it.” He hooked his leg around Evan’s hip, giving him better access, while continuing to stroke their cocks. He closed his eyes and a lazy smile curled on his lips. “Yes,” Mick murmured. “Fuck me, Evan. Prep me. God, I need you.”

  He breached the tense ring of muscle with one finger. Evan moved in and out of Mick’s hole. Each push into Mick’s body opened him. He stretched his lover and relaxed. “Breathe with me.” He added more lube and kissed Mick.

  Mick stroked faster, moving in time with Evan’s pushes. He grunted as Evan worked his finger two knuckles deep into his body.

  Tension radiated within Mick. He opened his eyes and grasped. “Please?”

  Evan added another finger and kept up the steady rhythm. He pumped his digits, opening Mick more. He needed to be sure he wouldn’t hurt his lover.

  “Ready?” Mick grunted and relaxed. His smile returned. “God, I’m so ready.”

  “Yeah?” He bit Mick’s bottom lip. “Sure?”

  “Positive.” Mick arched. “Do it. Now.”

  He withdrew his fingers, then wriggled free from Mick. Evan opened the condom wrapper and rolled the prophylactic down his shaft. He lubed his dick before he crawled between Mick’s knees. He folded Mick in half and stared into his eyes. The pleasure and desire spurred him on. He lined his erection up with Mick’s hole. “Is this what you want?”

  “Yes.” Mick held on to his thighs. He parted his lips and his eyes flashed. “Now.”

  Evan pushed into Mick’s body, slowly at first, until he sank to the hilt into him. “Breathe for me. Bear down.” He leaned over Mick. He’d never been this complete or thrilled in his life. With Mick, he was home. The tightness overwhelmed him. He worked into a steady rhythm once again, but at a slower pace.

  Mick exhaled and relaxed. “Yes.”

  Evan grasped Mick’s hips. He filled Mick, then withdrew most of the way. “Like that?”

  “Love it.” Mick shivered beneath him. He let go of his knees and reached for Evan. “Yes.”

  Evan
moved his hips. He pushed to the hilt, then pulled back. In and out. He increased his pace as Mick relaxed. Perspiration glittered on Mick’s chest. He kissed Mick, tenderly at first, but growing in passion.

  Heat and electricity built within him. He’d never be the same. He increased his pace again. The sound of skin slapping skin echoed in the room. A growl rumbled in his throat.

  Mick writhed beneath him and stroked his cock. He tensed. “Evan.”

  He buried his face against Mick’s neck. Tension built within him and coiled tight. He needed release. His movements turned jerky and his restraint frayed. “Oh, shit.”

  “Come with me,” Mick said. “I’m so close.”

  Mick’s confession was all Evan needed. He slammed into Mick. His cock throbbed. “Fuck.”

  Mick shuddered beneath Evan and jerked. Cum shot across Mick’s belly. Evan’s restraint finally snapped. He growled as he came. He added three more thrusts, then stilled. He panted. Fucking hell. He couldn’t think straight and the world seemed to spin around him. He rested his forehead against Mick’s and gathered his breath.

  Silence filled the air between them, not that words were needed. Evan braced himself on his forearms and knees. He puffed to gather his breath until he could get his heart rate back into a normal range.

  “Ev?”

  “Yeah?” He couldn’t move and hoped he wasn’t smashing Mick.

  “We crossed a line,” Mick said.

  “I know.” He didn’t care.

  “You don’t mind? You’re not worried?”

  “Not a bit.” He kissed Mick. “I followed my heart and have no regrets.” He was where he wanted to be and at peace. No looking back.

  Chapter Five

  Mick stared at the ceiling. He’d never slept with a client. Never. Getting attached to them was off-limits. He’d broken his own rule, but still. God damn it. Evan wasn’t even out yet.

  Maybe he was a glutton for punishment, but he knew better. He was drawn to Evan. He preferred the rougher type of man—the man who worked outside with his hands and wasn’t afraid of sweat. He craved Evan. Yes, he liked being in a couple and was happier with Evan.

  But this relationship couldn’t work. They’d go their separate ways when everything settled down.

  “Mick?”

  “Yeah?” He rolled onto his side. “What’s wrong?”

  “Did my grandmother have a cat?” Evan asked. “Like a fluffy black and white one?”

  “Yeah. She named him Kitty. Why?” He peeked down at the foot of the bed. Kitty stared at him and licked his chops. “That would be Kitty. He comes and goes, but he loves being in the house. I forgot to mention him. He’s probably hungry. The kids feed the barn cats and he tends to eat with them, but Martha had special extra food for him.”

  “Well, okay.” Evan chuckled. “I think I know where she kept it. I’ll be right back.” He slid out of bed and strode nude from the room.

  “Um, Ev?” Shit. He’d created a nickname for Evan. Not good. Too soon, too. “You might want to put on boxers or jeans in case one of the boys comes in.”

  “Good point.” Evan donned his jeans. “Thanks. Come on, Kitty.”

  The feline yawned, then hopped off the bed.

  Mick sighed and flopped backward onto the mattress. He and Evan had fallen into a nice little pattern too easily. Like they were supposed to be together.

  Mick’s phone rang. Damn it. He’d been away from the office for too long and should’ve returned by now. But he didn’t want to go back—not yet. He liked the quiet paradise he had with Evan. He pulled the phone from his pants and answered. “Hello?”

  “Where are you?” Bud demanded. “It’s not like you to flake off.”

  “I got busy.” Literally. “I’m with a client.”

  “Evan Conley? He’s not gay or are you turning him?” Bud snapped.

  “Does it matter if he is or isn’t? I’m helping him with Martha’s estate.” He wasn’t lying—not completely. “Do you need me? I don’t have any appointments today and my paperwork is finished.”

  “No, but it was strange when you blasted out of here,” Bud said. “If I upset you…”

  “You did.” He refused to mince his words. “Evan is a nice guy and I like having friends who don’t give a shit about my being a lawyer and who aren’t insulting me.”

  Bud gasped. “I didn’t insult you.”

  “You did and you know it.”

  “Christ. When you’re in a relationship, you’re less tense and don’t take stupid things personally,” Bud growled. “I hoped you’d find a guy who isn’t Evan. If he’s not gay, then you’ll get hurt. Don’t chase him. He’s not worth it. I know. I remember him from school. He dated so many girls because they thought he sang well. What did they get? Heartbreak. You will, too. He’s garbage.”

  “He’s not the same guy from school. I went to school with you both, remember?” Right now, he wished he’d never met Bud.

  “You like him.” Bud groaned. “You’ll get hurt. I’m telling you.”

  “It’s not yours to decide,” Mick said. “I might get hurt, but you have nothing to say to change my mind. I like him.” Shit. He’d admitted that out loud.

  Evan strolled into the room and stopped short. “Good thing you mentioned pants. The guys are outside.” He held up both hands. “Sorry.”

  “He’s there,” Bud said. “You slept with him. Mick.”

  “I need to go.” Mick ended the call. He’d explain the situation to Evan. God, he’d fucked up.

  “What’s wrong?” Evan stretched out beside Mick. “Everything okay?”

  “No. My office-mate heard you and I told him I like you,” Mick said. “You knew him. We were in school together.”

  “Okay.” Evan shrugged. “We went to school with a lot of people.”

  “He’s figured out that you’re gay.” Why didn’t Evan see the issue? “I don’t regret what we’ve done, but we shouldn’t have done it. You’re not out.”

  “My truth had to come out at some point.” Evan shrugged again. “I’ll have to make a social media post. I can’t lie any longer.”

  “About what? Us?” He didn’t want Evan to ruin the chances of regaining his career over a one-time thing.

  “About who I am, for one,” Evan said. “I hid this for too long. I’m tired of lying.”

  “If you want to keep this quiet, I understand.” He’d hate every second of being a secret, but he’d go along with Evan’s wishes. For all he knew, they wouldn’t be a couple beyond the next few days or weeks.

  “I don’t want to keep anything silent. Being with you made me realize I’ve been hiding for too long. Fans might not flock to me because I’m gay, but at least I’ll be authentic.”

  “True.” Still, he couldn’t have Evan risking so much.

  “We’ll shower, then I’ll make a post.”

  “You’re sure?” Mick asked.

  “I’m positive. This has gone on for too long. I need to be me.” Evan smiled. “I respect you and won’t use your name. This is about me.”

  “You’re a good man.” But he didn’t care if the truth came out. He’d slept with Evan Conley and he liked it. He’d seen every part of Evan and wanted to do it all over again. He wanted to suck that delicious cock and feel Evan moving in him a second, third, fourth time. God, he had it bad for Evan.

  “I’m in over my head, though.”

  “I’ll help you.” Mick laced his fingers with Evan’s and nodded. “It’ll be okay.”

  “I know.” Evan tugged Mick close. “Once the funeral is over, I’ll post something to my social media to give the fans an explanation.”

  Mick’s thoughts were muddled. Shit. Things were getting real. “You’ve got a good plan.” He sighed. “I should go back to work, though. I won’t want to, but I’m supposed to be racking up billable hours.”

  “Stay. Take today off and exist with me,” Evan said. “What’s on your case load for this afternoon?”

  “Mostly wading thr
ough your case.”

  “Can’t you do that here?”

  “It’s easy and I probably could. She left everything to you.” Mick kissed Evan. “I have to wrap up loose ends. She left a trust and it’s all going to you. As for Edwin, I can start that search on my laptop.”

  “Then stay.”

  He paused. Mick had to think this through. He didn’t want Evan to make a mistake. “Evan, do you want to be with me?”

  “Yes.” He answered with no hesitation.

  “Why?” He needed to know. They were starting the relationship too fast and things could go to hell even faster.

  “Because you’re handsome, caring and you aren’t trying to jump into bed with me because I was sort of famous. You gave me a second chance after me being an asshole in school.”

  “You’re famous around Cedarwood,” Mick said. “Maybe the fame isn’t on a huge scale, but the fans love you.” He’d seen the admiration when he’d searched Evan on the internet.

  “The fans can be relentless, but they can turn on you quick, too.” Evan twined his legs with Mick’s. “But you’re not here because of fame.”

  “I’m not.” He remembered the guy from school who had sung in the plays and swaggered through the building. Evan wasn’t the same man, but he wasn’t all that different from the man he’d once known. Evan still wanted to sing, but fame wasn’t important.

  “That’s what’s sexy. You don’t want anything from me. I don’t need your lawyer skills, either. I just like you. Have since we were in school,” Evan said. “I was afraid to admit it back then, but I’m not now.”

  He paused and replayed Evan’s words in his mind. “Wait.” Liked him in school? “You had a thing for me?”

  “Uh-huh. I knew I was gay and I wanted to tell you, but you were so confident and I was only confident on stage. When I had my guitar, I thought I was the coolest.” Evan blushed. “Sad, I know.”

  “Not sad.” He admired Evan’s honesty. Well, shit. They’d crushed on each other back then. He wished they’d been truer to themselves, but things happened. They were together now. “I’d love to hear you play some of your recent stuff.” He flattened his hand on Evan’s chest. “What I heard online is good.”